The Government today successfully launched the first STEMS bus catering to school students
in Shillong City, under an initiative designed to improve commuting experience, reduce traffic
congestion, promote sustainable and safe transportation, and enhance overall connectivity
for the citizens of the state.
With the collaborative efforts of various government departments, extensive planning, and a
customer-centric approach, the newly introduced bus services aim to revolutionize public
transportation and provide schools students with a reliable, safe, efficient, and comfortable
commuting option. The government has invested substantial resources in this initiative to
ensure the highest standards of service and safety for all passengers.
The first of the fleet of 30 buses has started its service for the route starting from Umpling
Football Ground to Pine Mount School. There are a total of 12 boarding and deboarding points
along the route including Umpling Football Ground, Nongrah Presbyterian Church, Nongrah
Mawshyieng, Nongrah, Lapalang Junction, Lumbatngen (Law U Sib), Demthring Bus Stop,
Nongkhyriem, Nongthymmai, Jylli Shop, Fire Brigade, and Pine Mount Back Gate. STEMS plans
to start the bus services for the other selected routes and schools in a phase-wise manner.
The STEMS bus services enable the parents to track the buses and book the seats online using
the mobile application ensuring assured seats to the students. As safety is of paramount
importance, the GPS-enabled buses allow live tracking and are fitted with 5 cameras each. The
buses are manned by a well-trained crew of uniformed drivers and caretakers.
STEMS is dedicated to continuously enhancing the bus services based on feedback, evolving
passenger needs and remains committed to maintaining the highest safety standards,
ensuring the well-being of passengers, and providing a reliable and efficient mode of
transportation. Three rounds of extensive and successful test runs were conducted for the
pilot route, in order to ensure technical efficiency of the available services and smooth
coordination between all concerned. STEMS, together with its supporting partner
departments including Shillong Traffic Police, MTC, NIC, PWD (Roads) and other agencies are
working closely together to ensure the best possible service to the school children of the city.
So far, STEMS has received a total of 455 registrations and queries from 250+ parents. As the
bus services take off for the schools, the Government encourages citizens to embrace this
transformative mode of public transportation, and urges parents to register for the service.
The service intends to also cater to officer-goers and other commuters at a later stage, in
order to gradually reduce the reliance on private mode of transportation. By choosing buses,
individuals can contribute to addressing the issue of congestion in the city and enjoy the
numerous benefits of a well-connected city.